{"id":3839,"date":"2023-06-22T06:58:33","date_gmt":"2023-06-22T06:58:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledstreak.com\/?p=3839"},"modified":"2023-06-22T07:03:59","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T07:03:59","slug":"battery-operated-led-under-cabinet-lights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledstreak.com\/battery-operated-led-under-cabinet-lights\/","title":{"rendered":"Battery-Operated LED Under Cabinet Lights: Exploring the Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Battery-operated LED under cabinet lights are revolutionizing how we illuminate our kitchen countertops. Generally, we install the lights for task lighting applications in the busy spaces of our kitchens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, they shine their light downwards and, by design, illuminate a small space on the kitchen top. Many homeowners who prefer battery-operated lights may wonder why we advocate for LED lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, they are more energy efficient, meaning you can power them with a smaller battery. Also, they produce less heat allowing you to work without worrying about the rising kitchen temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today\u2019s piece delves into battery-operated LED under cabinet lights and why they suit you perfectly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Lithium-ion battery pack)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Battery-operated LED solutions are revolutionizing home and business lighting projects for several reasons. Generally, batteries haven\u2019t improved significantly despite manufacturers looking for ways to improve their densities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, the uptake of battery-powered lighting solutions solely relies on the efficiency and practicality of LED lights. LEDs are, by a distance, more efficient than traditional lighting systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, an LED converts close to 90 percent of incoming power to light energy, whereas an incandescent bulb converts less than 10 percent. Consequently, the LEDs will be nearly 900 percent more efficient when powering both with similar-rated batteries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, other critical components of battery-operated LED lighting systems include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (The Puck under cabinet lights)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puck LED lights are small, sometimes battery-operated, light sources that you can install singly or in a group under your cabinet. You can determine the number to install by considering the wattage and the beam spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, an LED<\/a> with higher wattage produces more lumens and brightness. Moreover, you need fewer lights if the spread is greater since fewer dark spots will be under your cabinets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lighting-wise, puck lights create an effect similar to spotlights as they direct a triangular beam to the space under it. Therefore, you may need more puck lights if your kitchen counter is wide. Alternatively, keep the lights higher on the cabinet to ensure that they spread illumination even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bar and strip lights resemble fluorescent lamps because their lighting doesn\u2019t create the \u201chotspots\u201d of light synonymous with puck lights. In other words, they spread light evenly across your kitchen counter, making accomplishing tasks easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, you can choose your LED lights as strip lights or integrated LED light bars. The difference is that LED strip lights are light-emitting diodes on a flexible printed circuit board<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, you can install them on uneven counter surfaces. On the other hand, integrated LED light bars have built-in LEDs and are more like fluorescent lamps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, they come in \u201cdirect wire\u201d packaging, meaning that you don\u2019t need to include additional transformers or electronics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other variants include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (A kitchen design with under-cabinet LED strip lights)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A common concern when installing a battery for powering your LED lights is its capacity. Generally, most people will go for a bigger battery because they are sure they won\u2019t experience frequent blackouts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, such an approach is often inappropriate as bigger rechargeable batteries lose charge if they sit for long. Here, we look at what determines the battery to install for your LED lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Voltage determines how an LED light operates as higher values reduce lifespans. For instance, LEDs have specific voltage requirements; you will find they typically range from 1.5V to 24V for the strip lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, your battery\u2019s voltage should match or exceed your LED lights\u2019 voltage requirement. If you underpower your lights, you will find that they perform poorer and often dimmer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A good battery supplies current to an LED for a sufficient time without causing it to dim or drain itself quickly. In other words, the LED lights<\/a> have a specific current draw that a battery must match. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, a 12V, 33mAh A23 battery cannot power an LED strip consuming 2.0A. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (Testing voltage of a 12V battery using a multimeter)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need your battery to power your LED lights for a longer time, ensure it has a higher capacity. We measure battery capacity in milliampere-hours (mAh) or ampere-hours<\/a> (Ah). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The more the mAh or Ah, the longer your battery lasts while providing sufficient energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many different batteries, each with varying energy densities and discharge characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, common battery types include lithium-ion, lithium polymer, alkaline, and nickel-metal hydride. When buying one to power your LED lights, pick one that suits your application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lithium-ion batteries are bigger and more cumbersome than alkaline batteries. Consequently, the former suits large LED lighting projects that require a higher current draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, smaller batteries, like coin cell batteries, are best for portable LED light sources, including torches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Different Options Available for Battery-Operated LED Under Cabinet Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Puck Lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bar and Strip LED Lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What Determines the Battery Size When Powering LED Lights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Voltage Requirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Current Draw<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Operating Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Battery Chemistry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Physical Constraints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n